Why Did Negan Kill Glenn, the beloved character from The Walking Dead? WHY.EDU.VN dives into the harrowing decision, exploring the intricate narrative reasons behind this pivotal moment and its profound impact on the show’s trajectory and characters’ arcs. The loss of Glenn served as a key catalyst for Maggie’s evolution, Negan’s character arc, and Rick’s descent into darkness, forever changing the dynamics of the series and leaving an indelible mark on viewers. Explore with us the themes of loss, retribution, and transformation within the Walking Dead universe.
1. How Did Glenn Die In The Walking Dead Show Compared To The Comics?
Glenn’s death in The Walking Dead was a brutal and impactful event, mirroring the comics in some ways but also differing significantly. In both the comics and the TV show, Glenn dies at the hands of Negan, the leader of the Saviors. However, the circumstances surrounding his death and the immediate aftermath vary slightly.
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Comics: In The Walking Dead #100, Negan captures Rick’s group and, as a demonstration of his power, brutally beats Glenn to death with his baseball bat, Lucille. This moment is intended to break Rick and establish Negan as a dominant force.
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TV Show: The TV adaptation, specifically in the season 7 premiere, initially throws viewers off by having Negan kill Abraham. Daryl then retaliates, prompting Negan to kill Glenn as punishment for Daryl’s actions. This decision was made to emphasize Negan’s ruthlessness and unpredictability.
| Feature | Comics | TV Show |
|---|---|---|
| Victim | Glenn | Abraham initially, then Glenn |
| Trigger | Demonstration of power | Daryl’s retaliation |
| Impact | Breaks Rick and establishes Negan | Emphasizes Negan’s ruthlessness and unpredictability |
| Fan Reaction | Shock and grief | Initial misdirection followed by shock and grief |
The TV show’s decision to kill Abraham first added an extra layer of shock for viewers, especially those familiar with the comics, as it subverted expectations. However, the ultimate result was the same: Glenn’s death served as a pivotal moment in the series, driving the narrative forward and profoundly affecting the remaining characters.
2. Why Was Glenn The Only Member Of Rick’s Group Killed In The Comics?
While Glenn wasn’t the only character to die in The Walking Dead comics, his death at the hands of Negan was particularly significant and impactful. Several key factors contributed to the decision to kill Glenn in this manner:
- Emotional Impact: Glenn was one of the most beloved and long-standing characters in the series. His relationship with Maggie, his optimism, and his role as a moral compass made him a fan favorite. Killing him had a profound emotional impact on readers.
- Catalyst for Change: Glenn’s death served as a major catalyst for the series’ narrative. It fueled Rick’s determination to overthrow Negan, shaped Maggie’s character arc, and had lasting consequences for the entire group.
- Underlining Negan’s Threat: Negan’s introduction and subsequent actions needed to establish him as a credible and terrifying threat. Killing a central character like Glenn demonstrated his ruthlessness and the high stakes of the conflict.
In the comics, Glenn’s death was a turning point that set the stage for future storylines and character development. While other characters met their end, Glenn’s demise had a unique significance due to his established role in the group and the emotional resonance it carried.
3. Why Was Glenn’s Death Important As A Catalyst For Future Story Arcs?
Glenn’s death served as a pivotal catalyst for future stories within The Walking Dead universe. It sparked significant changes and developments for several key characters and storylines, solidifying its importance in the overall narrative.
- Maggie’s Transformation: Glenn’s death profoundly impacted Maggie, driving her to become a strong and determined leader. She channeled her grief and anger into building a better society for her unborn child, taking on leadership roles and making tough decisions.
- Rick’s Motivation: Witnessing Glenn’s brutal murder fueled Rick’s hatred for Negan and his determination to end the Saviors’ reign of terror. It set the stage for the All Out War storyline, where Rick led the united communities against Negan.
- Negan’s Redemption: Ironically, Glenn’s death also played a role in Negan’s eventual redemption arc. As Negan spent time in captivity, he began to reflect on his actions and the consequences they had. The memory of Glenn served as a constant reminder of the pain he had caused.
- Daryl’s Guilt: Daryl felt responsible for Glenn’s death because his outburst prompted Negan to retaliate. This guilt haunted him throughout season 7 and led to a powerful, emotional scene with Maggie, where she absolved him of blame.
Glenn’s death acted as a narrative earthquake, shaking the foundations of the Walking Dead world and setting the stage for a series of dramatic and transformative events. It pushed characters to their limits, forced them to confront their inner demons, and ultimately shaped the future of the communities.
4. How Did Glenn’s Death Move Maggie & Negan’s Story Arcs Forward?
Glenn’s death was instrumental in propelling the story arcs of both Maggie and Negan forward in The Walking Dead. It served as a turning point for both characters, shaping their decisions, motivations, and ultimately, their destinies.
- Maggie’s Resilience and Leadership: Glenn’s death galvanized Maggie, transforming her from a grieving widow into a fierce leader. She became determined to build a safe and thriving community for her child, Hershel, and other survivors. Her experiences shaped her leadership style, making her pragmatic, resourceful, and willing to make difficult choices.
- Negan’s Transformation: While initially portrayed as a ruthless villain, Negan’s character underwent a significant transformation over time. His capture and subsequent imprisonment allowed him to reflect on his actions and the pain he had caused. The memory of Glenn haunted him, contributing to his eventual remorse and desire for redemption.
- Maggie and Negan’s Complex Relationship: The shared trauma of Glenn’s death created a complex and fraught relationship between Maggie and Negan. Maggie struggled to forgive Negan for his actions, while Negan sought to atone for his sins. Their dynamic evolved over time, marked by mistrust, resentment, and eventually, a grudging respect.
- “The Walking Dead: Dead City”: The spin-off series The Walking Dead: Dead City, starring Maggie and Negan, directly addresses the aftermath of Glenn’s death and its lasting impact on their relationship. The series explores their complicated dynamic as they are forced to work together in a post-apocalyptic New York City.
Glenn’s death served as a catalyst for both Maggie and Negan, pushing them to confront their inner selves, make difficult choices, and ultimately, evolve as characters. Their intertwined stories, born from tragedy, became one of the most compelling aspects of The Walking Dead universe.
5. Why Was Glenn’s Death So Brutal In The Walking Dead?
The brutality of Glenn’s death in The Walking Dead was a deliberate choice by the showrunners, serving several key purposes within the narrative. It wasn’t simply gratuitous violence; rather, it was a calculated decision designed to have a lasting impact on viewers and the characters.
- Establishing Negan as a Threat: Negan’s introduction needed to establish him as a credible and terrifying villain. The sheer brutality of Glenn’s death, with its graphic depiction of violence, left no doubt about Negan’s ruthlessness and the danger he posed.
- Emotional Impact: The graphic nature of Glenn’s death was intended to elicit a strong emotional response from viewers. It was meant to be shocking, upsetting, and unforgettable, underscoring the stakes of the conflict and the fragility of life in the post-apocalyptic world.
- Realistic Depiction of Violence: The Walking Dead has always been known for its unflinching portrayal of violence. Glenn’s death, while extreme, was consistent with the show’s overall tone and its commitment to depicting the harsh realities of a zombie apocalypse.
- Lasting Consequences: The brutality of Glenn’s death had lasting consequences for the characters and the storyline. It fueled Rick’s desire for revenge, shaped Maggie’s leadership, and contributed to the overall sense of dread and uncertainty that permeated the series.
In an interview with CinemaBlend, Steven Yeun, who played Glenn, explained that the outrage surrounding his character’s death wasn’t just about the gore, but about “watching someone that you feel like you know getting killed that way, and getting killed in a way that was not like, ‘Oh man, look at Noah getting ripped up,’ which is gnarly, but it’s just happening to him. Whereas, in this instance, it was just like, ‘You could’ve stopped, but you’re just gonna keep going, and you’re gonna rub it in.’ And that’s probably where it felt like it was too much.”
6. How Did Glenn’s Death Redefine Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s Career?
Glenn’s death in The Walking Dead had a significant impact on Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s career, solidifying his status as a major star and opening up new opportunities for him in the entertainment industry.
- Breakout Role: While Morgan had previously appeared in several TV shows and films, his portrayal of Negan in The Walking Dead was a breakout role that brought him widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
- Iconic Villain: Morgan’s performance as Negan was lauded for its complexity, charisma, and sheer menace. He transformed Negan into an iconic villain, instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in popular culture.
- Long-Term Job Commitment: The role of Negan provided Morgan with a long-term job commitment, a rarity in the entertainment industry. He remained a key character on The Walking Dead for several seasons and even reprised the role in the spin-off series The Walking Dead: Dead City.
- Increased Visibility: The success of The Walking Dead and Morgan’s portrayal of Negan significantly increased his visibility, leading to more opportunities in film and television. He has since starred in several high-profile projects, further solidifying his status as a leading actor.
Morgan himself has acknowledged the profound impact of The Walking Dead on his career. In an interview with Insider, he stated, “It changed my life. That one scene changed my life, literally, in so many ways. And I still get s*** for it. People remind me daily that Glenn was their favorite character.”
7. What Did Steven Yeun Say About Glenn’s Death In The Walking Dead?
Steven Yeun, who played Glenn in The Walking Dead, has shared his thoughts on his character’s death and its significance within the series. While he understood the narrative importance of Glenn’s demise, he also expressed some frustrations with the way the character was portrayed.
- Servicing a Concept of Goodness: Yeun felt that Glenn was often used as a symbol of morality and goodness, rather than being portrayed as a complex and flawed human being. He believed that the show could have explored Glenn’s humanity more deeply, giving him more depth and nuance.
- Limited Character Development: Yeun felt that Glenn’s character development was somewhat limited, with his primary role being to act as a moral compass and warn others of the darkness. He would have liked to see Glenn given more opportunities to grow and change, similar to characters like Carol.
- Narrative Importance: Despite his frustrations, Yeun acknowledged the narrative importance of Glenn’s death. He understood that it served as a catalyst for future storylines and character development, particularly for Maggie and Rick.
In an interview, Yeun stated, “I felt like I was servicing a concept of goodness as opposed to engaging with Glenn’s humanity.” This sentiment resonated with many fans who felt that Glenn’s character had the potential to be more than just a symbol of morality.
8. How Did Glenn’s Death Mark A Turning Point For The Walking Dead?
Glenn’s death marked a significant turning point for The Walking Dead, both in terms of its narrative direction and its overall popularity. It was a controversial moment that had both positive and negative consequences for the show.
- Decline in Viewership: Following Glenn’s death, The Walking Dead experienced a significant decline in viewership. Many fans were outraged by the brutality of the scene and the loss of a beloved character, leading them to abandon the show.
- Shift in Tone: Glenn’s death contributed to a shift in the show’s tone, with many viewers feeling that it became increasingly dark and nihilistic. The graphic violence and bleak storylines alienated some fans, while others appreciated the show’s unflinching portrayal of the post-apocalyptic world.
- Catalyst for Storyline Changes: As previously discussed, Glenn’s death served as a catalyst for significant storyline changes, particularly for Maggie and Negan. It set the stage for the All Out War storyline and Negan’s eventual redemption arc.
- Lasting Impact: Despite the controversy and decline in viewership, Glenn’s death remains one of the most memorable and impactful moments in The Walking Dead. It continues to be discussed and debated by fans, and its consequences are still felt in the show’s spin-off series.
| Impact Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Viewership | Significant decline following Glenn’s death, with millions of viewers abandoning the show. |
| Tone | Shift towards a darker and more nihilistic tone, alienating some fans while appealing to others. |
| Storyline | Catalyst for major storyline changes, including the All Out War and Negan’s redemption arc. |
| Lasting Impact | Remains one of the most memorable and impactful moments in the series, continuing to be discussed and debated by fans. |
9. Did Glenn’s Death Go Too Far In The Walking Dead?
The question of whether Glenn’s death went too far in The Walking Dead is a matter of personal opinion and remains a subject of debate among fans. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue.
- Arguments for “Too Far”: Some viewers felt that the brutality of Glenn’s death was gratuitous and unnecessary. They argued that it crossed the line into shock value and detracted from the show’s overall quality. Additionally, the loss of a beloved character like Glenn was seen as a betrayal of the audience’s investment in the series.
- Arguments Against “Too Far”: Other viewers argued that Glenn’s death was consistent with the show’s tone and its commitment to depicting the harsh realities of a zombie apocalypse. They believed that the brutality of the scene served a narrative purpose, establishing Negan as a credible threat and driving the story forward. Additionally, they argued that the emotional impact of Glenn’s death was a testament to the show’s ability to connect with its audience.
Ultimately, whether Glenn’s death went too far is a subjective question with no definitive answer. It depends on individual viewers’ tolerance for violence, their emotional investment in the characters, and their overall expectations for the show.
10. FAQs About Glenn’s Death In The Walking Dead
Q1: Why did Negan choose Glenn as his victim?
A1: Initially, Negan chose Abraham as his victim. However, after Daryl retaliated in anger, Negan decided to kill Glenn as punishment for Daryl’s actions and to further demonstrate his power.
Q2: How did Glenn’s death affect Maggie?
A2: Glenn’s death had a profound impact on Maggie, transforming her into a strong and determined leader. She channeled her grief and anger into building a better society for her unborn child and other survivors.
Q3: Did Steven Yeun like how Glenn’s character was handled?
A3: While Yeun acknowledged the narrative importance of Glenn’s death, he expressed some frustrations with the way the character was portrayed. He felt that Glenn was often used as a symbol of morality rather than being portrayed as a complex human being.
Q4: How did Glenn’s death impact the show’s viewership?
A4: Following Glenn’s death, The Walking Dead experienced a significant decline in viewership, with many fans abandoning the show due to the brutality of the scene and the loss of a beloved character.
Q5: Was Glenn’s death necessary for the story?
A5: While controversial, Glenn’s death served as a catalyst for significant storyline changes and character development, particularly for Maggie and Negan. It set the stage for future conflicts and shaped the overall direction of the series.
Q6: How does Glenn’s death affect the spin-off series “The Walking Dead: Dead City”?
A6: Glenn’s death is a central theme in “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” as it explores the complex relationship between Maggie and Negan and the lasting impact of their shared trauma.
Q7: Do the comics handle Glenn’s death differently?
A7: In the comics, Glenn is Negan’s sole victim during their initial encounter. The circumstances surrounding his death and the immediate aftermath differ slightly from the TV show, but the ultimate result is the same: Glenn’s death serves as a pivotal moment in the series.
Q8: How did Glenn’s death change Negan’s character arc?
A8: While initially portrayed as a ruthless villain, Negan’s character underwent a significant transformation over time. The memory of Glenn haunted him, contributing to his eventual remorse and desire for redemption.
Q9: What was the fan reaction to Glenn’s death?
A9: The fan reaction to Glenn’s death was overwhelmingly negative, with many viewers expressing outrage and sadness. Some fans even stopped watching the show altogether due to the brutality of the scene and the loss of a beloved character.
Q10: Is Glenn’s death still relevant to the Walking Dead universe?
A10: Yes, Glenn’s death continues to be relevant to the Walking Dead universe, as it is still discussed and referenced in the spin-off series and its consequences continue to shape the characters and storylines.
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